New Bedford Man Arrested After Death in Rooming House

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been arrested following a death that occurred at a rooming house in the Near North End Saturday night.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said that New Bedford Police were called to 162 Sawyer Street at about 11:32 p.m. on November 22 for a report of an altercation between neighbors.

What Police Found at the Scene

Police arrived to find Curtis Pina, 56, on the third-floor landing.

Pina, who resided at the rooming house, was bleeding heavily from an injury to his forehead. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a few hours later.

Investigators Identified a Suspect

An investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the D.A.’s Office and New Bedford Police led to the arrest of Arirto Santiago, 38, who also lived at the rooming house. He has been charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

No further information was provided about the nature of the incident.

Santiago is expected to be arraigned Monday morning in New Bedford District Court.